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| To See A World by Nightwing | 32 Review(s) |
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| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/16/2006 |
| I loved your imagery in this chapter, things like the eye on the flag seeming to look to and fro as the flag flapped in the wind, the creaking branches of the tree and the rustling of last summer's old corn in the keep's garden plot. Those details pull the reader completely into the tale. It it is so good that our heroes are reunited! The way you softened the drama of their meeting with those bits of humor- the socks and the horrible drink- balanced things nicely. Also the humor was from previously existing elements of the story, not random silliness. Although Legolas' initial reaction was completely understandable, the way you wrote it made it as startling to the reader as to Aragorn. I really liked it that despite all he had been through Legolas was fully capable of snapping a man's neck, and also that he was still fighting. This story is completely worth any wait for updates. I certainly understand the demands of RL--especially as it also has me by the throat, now with no end in sight. I am so glad as well as grateful that you are determined not to abandon this story. It's really exceptional. Blessings on you and yours! ~TF Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the imagery in the first part of the chapter. I confess to being really impatient with that section, as I was so anxious to get to the rescue and reunion. Once I had worked out most of the reunion, I went back to the first bit to flesh it out a bit more. I seriously almost omitted the whole thing. Start of chapter: "Aragorn found himself crouched outside the door to the prison..." But that would have been a major cop-out for me, so I made myself sit down and do it properly. I was quite startled myself when I wrote Legolas' violent reaction, as it was not what I had in mind originally. Sometimes the characters have their own ideas about what they think should happen, and I find myself just having to get out of the way! Yes, the elf is still strong and able to put up a good fight. It takes a lot to bring him down - one reason we elf-girls swoon over him, I think. If he and Aragorn were big crybabies, we'd all be writing (and dreaming) about someone else! | |
| Alariel | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/16/2006 |
| Good gawd almighty ... ALL the Valar ... Toto ... and ALL Aliens, big and small, short and tall, who may be listening ... Sorry, but I do go on a bit when my knickers are in a knot!!!! I forgot which of my five email accounts and passwords I used when I became a member here. I knew that I would hit the right combination at some point, so I just kept right on poking at the keys. Aaaaaarg! Much nicer site and more user friendly than YOU KNOW WHO! Hey, I thought the first version of your story was fine. I just thought it had a good cliff hanger ... What do I know? Yes, the second version was more fulfilling. If I was Legolas, when I realized that the human in front of me was my dearest friend and brother and who was alive, I DON'T CARE ... I would have kissed him right on the lips! They do that in Italy don't they? Anyway, and more seriously, and to the point, as usual you were able to maintain what I call a "true emotional level." It did not sound contrived at all. It was exactly how we would expect YOUR Legolas and YOUR Aragorn to think, feel and act. It is so wonderful that after all this time (No did intended) that your characters stay true to themselves and the story they are in. Some writers write stories to see if they can make you cry (or gag - sorry) and then there are those writers, like yourself who are true storytellers and who get their readers to immerse themselves into the story so we feel what the characters feel, see what they feel and cheer them on as if they were right in front of us. You have a talent and I stand by what I said before that if it takes you 10 years to finish this story, I will be there at the end with tissue in hand to welcome our heroes home. Keep on keepin on .... Author Reply: There you are! I'm glad you came over here to find the rest of the chapter. I think men do kiss in Italy. My ex-boss travels to Italy regularly to meet with a colleague, and they always used to kiss upon meeting at the airport. My boss was really not comfortable with it. Finally the Italian guy caught on to the fact that the kissing really squicked his American friend, and they agreed to stop doing it. Now it's just an embrace, and no doubt a quick one at that. I'm glad you think the emotion between my characters is real. I have read some very overwrought stuff out there as well, and it's pretty difficult to swallow. It can be hard to find the right amount of tears without going too far into total blubbering, but it is also important not to shrug off the need for real depth and go for the flippant when it is inappropriate. A certain "you're late" scene in the movie comes to mind... | |
| Robinscat | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| I was so glad to see an update. And as always, it was worth the wait. Thank Elbereth, they are together again. And nicely done, the right mix of actions and tenderness. You are a genious. I will always be here, waiting for your updates in your own time. How is your daughter? She is well, I hope. Thank you for sharing your gift. Robin Author Reply: I love action and tenderness - a nice balance of the two is necessary to the telling of a tale. My daughter is doing well. Thanks. | |
| Elenora | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| Well, I have just "ripped" through your much (very, VERY much!) anticipated update....and I can truthfully say this was a truly satisfying (and very exhilarating) chapter! Legolas and Aragorn, united again - YEAH!!!! I finally felt able to "take a breath," much as our heroes were doing as the chapter neatly ended. I have a feeling we (and they) will need that breath, because I simply can't imagine they'll have an easy time of either finding the boy, or escaping - and there is Legolas's unfinished business with Ramhar as well. I'm starting to loose my breath again, just thinking of all that, LOL! Seriously, as always, this was a great read - and now I'll have to go back and read it more slowly, relishing all the more subtle nuances that I missed as I "rip-roared" through it the first time in order to find out "how fared the Prince"! And don't worry - you're stuck with me 'til the very end! Author Reply: I'm very happy that they are together again. I really hated that the elf thought Aragorn was dead. I had to fix that. Yes, a few more chapters to come. There are a lot of loose ends to tie up before all is done. | |
| White Wolf | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| Oh dear. My first review must sound like I'm crazy. I think what happened was that the whole chapter didn't load. I had to leave it and when I came back, I went straight to the review button. I then saw some unfamiiar lines, so I went back and checked it again and saw the rest of it. Glad there was more. Legolas’s reaction to Aragorn was totally believable. It was a tense moment until he finally accepted that his friend was alive. Legolas's reaction to the bitter brew was hilarious and so true to form. I'm anxious to see how the rebellion goes. Author Reply: That happened at FFN. I had to re-upload three times before the full chapter could be seen. Did it happen here too? I'm glad Legolas' reaction was believable. He's been through a pretty tough time, and I thought it was not too much of a stretch that he display the effects of his trauma. | |
| White Wolf | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| I hate that we’re going to have to wait for the Big Hug, when Legolas recognizes Aragorn's voice. At least you didn't leave us before Aragorn got there, which is what I thought you'd do. The build-up getting to that point was suspenseful and well-done, as usual. It was good to see that Legolas still had plenty of fight left in him, despite all that's been done to him, including him thinking that Aragorn was dead. I would expect nothing less from our dear elf. Don't worry. I can’t imagine anyone abandoning this wonderful gem of a story just because the updates don’t come as quickly as we’d all like. I, for one, will never give up on it. :o) | |
| AM | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| Ah ... Author Reply: That is I hope a happy "ah". | |
| Gandalfs apprentice | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| Hi, Nightwing Forgive me, but I had forgotten how good your tale is! I'm very pleased that you are continuing, and will finish! This chapter had my heart racing. You really know how to write an action scene, building suspense and keeping the mindset of the characters up front. I think my favorite part, however, was Aragorn mentioning Tithlam to save himself. Great! The ending is very moving. G.A. Author Reply: I do like writing action scenes. I find that easier than long paragraphs of being inside a character's head. But I try to concentrate on those too, as a way of challenging myself. Thanks goodness for sock-stealing cats. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| Wow - what an intense chapter. I'm so glad that Aragorn and Legolas are reunited at last! The elf's reaction was understandable, given all that he had suffered, but it still surprised me. Thank the Valar that Aragorn was able to convince him - and I loved the method he chose! There is no way that Malcovan would have used such a simple, innocent image. The danger is far from over for Aragorn and Legolas, and for Alun, Koryon and the boy - but I do hope you won't kill too many of them. For some reason, I think Koryon won't make it. I hope I'm wrong. Jay Author Reply: Hullo Jay! Happy to see you. Legolas' reaction surprised me also. I seriously did not intend to have the trauma - I meant them to just meet and be thrilled, but when I sat down to write the scene, that is what came out. That has probably happened to you too, as a writer. You type, pause to look over the page, and say "Huh? Where the heck did that come from?" The characters seem to have other ideas sometimes. I did want to do something that demonstrated just how frightened the elf really was at being in the hands of someone leagued with Mordor. A moment of losing it. But now he's been freed, he's going to get some food and water quite soon, and he knows Aragorn is alive. These things will strenghten him, and strength will be needed. More to come. | |
| Keji | Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 7/15/2006 |
| THANK THE VALAR! You are a life-saver. If I loved half the chapter that was posted in FFnet, Imagine how much more I loved the completed one! It was ended in such a satisfying way for the moment. I don't hold it against Legolas the way he attacked Aragorn, he had the right to think it was the work of that wicked old man. Call me a cry baby, but I did feel like crying when Legolas came to realize it was REALLY Aragorn who had come to him. And Aragorn trying to comfort him... Ai, I just love those two. And i don't know if I'm wrong or not, but since the mentioning of that horrible brew, I always wondered if it would help Legolas regain his sight back... and now I think it more likely since he ended up having a drink... not a very preasant experience for him... but, it was cute how he reacted and damn funny. Can't say Aragorn didn't warn him. And then, at the end of the chapter, the most heart-warming statement...Just very sweet there. A reason to fight, because of love... those two will be the end of me yet. I'm much more happy now. I didn't have to wait for another update for what I really wanted to see. A very VERY heartfelt reunion... Great work. Author Reply: Ah ha, another fan of hurt/comfort. I wonder why we love it so much? I'm glad you liked the little moment of brevity regarding the yucky drink. I do try to inject a bit of fun now and then to break up all the angst and suffering. Humor helps to keep stories from sinking completely into this heavy unhappy state that I've seen sometimes. | |